Mortgage rate trends: Mortgage rates continue to decline

Mortgage rates this week

• The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is down to 7.03% this week
• The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage is down to 6.29% this week

30-year fixed-rate mortgages

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 7.03% this week, down from last week's average of 7.22%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 6.33%.

15-year fixed-rate mortgages

The average 15-year mortgage rate declined to 6.29%, down from an average of 6.56% last week. This time a year ago, the 15-year fixed rate averaged 5.67%.

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Mortgage rate trends

See how mortgage rates have changed over the last 3 months. The average 30-year mortgage rate hit a high of 7.79% the week of October 26th, while the average 15-year mortgage rate topped out at 7.03%, the same week.

What’s behind current mortgage rate trends?

Inflation: The current inflation rate is 3.7%, the same as last month. Mortgage lenders often demand higher interest rates to compensate for the eroding purchasing power of money due to inflation.

Federal funds rate: The federal funds rate is set by central bank officials, and it’s the interest rate that banks charge one another for borrowing money. Central banks adjust key interest rates to control inflation or stimulate the economy, and mortgage rates can follow suit. The current federal funds rate is at 5.25% to 5.50%.

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How mortgage rates affect your monthly payments

Say you’re buying a $500,000 property, have a 10% down payment and lock in a 30-year fixed mortgage at today’s average rate of 7.03%. Using a mortgage calculator, your monthly mortgage payment would be $3,683 a month, not including property taxes and insurance.

When buying a home, keep in mind that most lenders want you to keep your housing expenses at or under 30% of your gross income. Based on your income and expenses, use this calculator to find out how much home you could afford at today’s mortgage rates.

Mortgage application demand down

Demand for mortgages increased 2.8% from last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Meanwhile, refinance application activity went up by 14% — and is 10% higher than the same week a year ago.

“Mortgage rates declined last week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage falling to 7.17 percent – the lowest level since August 2023. Slower inflation, and financial markets anticipating the potential end of the Fed’s hiking cycle, are both behind the recent decline in rates,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist.

“Refinance applications saw the strongest week in two months, increasing on a year-over-year basis for the second consecutive week for the first time since late 2021. The overall level of refinance applications is still very low, but recent increases could signal that 2023 was the low point in this cycle for refinance activity, consistent with our originations forecast."

Should you buy a home at the current mortgage rates?

With the current 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.03%, you might wonder if now is the right time to buy a home. To help you make the best decision, ask yourself a few questions.

Am I financially stable? Reflect on your current financial situation, including your income, job stability, and overall financial health. Use a mortgage income calculator to determine what monthly mortgage payment you could comfortably afford. Remember to factor in property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.

Where do I see myself in 5, 10 years? Imagine yourself five, 10, 15 years from now. What does your career look like? Are you in the same city/state? Thinking about your long-term plans can help you determine if buying a home at today’s mortgage rates is a good idea or not.

How’s my credit score? Your credit score plays a significant role in the interest rate you'll be offered. If it’s on the low end, you may want to focus on boosting your score. With a higher credit score, you can qualify for the best mortgage rates available.